Abstract or concrete noun? 2
B1–B2 · IntermediateConcrete nouns name things we can perceive with our senses; abstract nouns name ideas, qualities, and states. Try telling the two apart by looking at how each noun is used in a sentence.
Need a refresher? Review the grammar ↓
Choose whether each of the nouns is concrete or abstract.
Example: He hurt his finger. = concrete
1. Would you like a cup of coffee?
Correct answer: concrete — cup is a physical object you can touch — concrete noun.
2. He was impressed with their ability to learn new languages.
Correct answer: abstract — ability is a quality or concept — cannot be physically touched.
3. Last autumn, we spent a week at my mom's cottage.
Correct answer: abstract — autumn is a concept of time/season — abstract noun.
4. The mayor asked for help with the wildfires.
Correct answer: abstract — help is a concept, not a physical object — abstract noun.
5. I had a feeling I had met her before.
Correct answer: abstract — feeling is a mental/emotional experience — abstract noun.
6. My buddies and I are going on holiday.
Correct answer: concrete — buddies are people — physical, tangible beings.
7. Emma took the elevator up to her apartment.
Correct answer: concrete — elevator is a physical machine — concrete noun.
8. Robert denied that he had stolen the watch.
Correct answer: concrete — watch is a physical object — concrete noun.
9. We're going to Denver for three weeks.
Correct answer: abstract — weeks are units of time — an abstract concept.
10. I felt relief after passing my exam.
Correct answer: abstract — relief is an emotion/feeling — abstract noun.
REMEMBER: CONCRETE NOUNS are physical things that can be seen, touched, etc. Examples of concrete nouns include words like mountain, table, hand, etc. ABSTRACT NOUNS are not physical things, but cannot be perceived using your senses. Examples of abstract nouns include words like weakness, education, fear, etc.
KEEP PRACTICING: MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU
Recognizing abstract and concrete nouns is a foundational vocabulary skill; these exercises build on it.
Continue this series:
Abstract or concrete noun? 1
Forming abstract nouns 1
More noun exercises:
Find the noun 1 (A2/B1)
Find the noun 2 (A2/B1)
Plural nouns (regular) 1 (A1/A2)
Plural nouns (regular) 2 (A1/A2)
Plural nouns (irregular) 1 (A1/A2)
Countable or uncountable nouns? 1 (A2/B1)
Countable or uncountable nouns? 2 (A2/B1)
Countable or uncountable nouns? 3 (B1/B2)
Related parts of speech:
Find the adjective 1 (A1/A2)
Find the adjective 2 (A1/A2)
Find the adverb 1 (A1/A2)
Find the adverb 2 (A1/A2)
Which part of speech? 1 (A2/B1)
Which part of speech? 2 (A2/B1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
Recognizing abstract and concrete nouns is a foundational vocabulary skill; these exercises build on it.
Continue this series:
Abstract or concrete noun? 1
Forming abstract nouns 1
More noun exercises:
Find the noun 1 (A2/B1)
Find the noun 2 (A2/B1)
Plural nouns (regular) 1 (A1/A2)
Plural nouns (regular) 2 (A1/A2)
Plural nouns (irregular) 1 (A1/A2)
Countable or uncountable nouns? 1 (A2/B1)
Countable or uncountable nouns? 2 (A2/B1)
Countable or uncountable nouns? 3 (B1/B2)
Related parts of speech:
Find the adjective 1 (A1/A2)
Find the adjective 2 (A1/A2)
Find the adverb 1 (A1/A2)
Find the adverb 2 (A1/A2)
Which part of speech? 1 (A2/B1)
Which part of speech? 2 (A2/B1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
